Lead Counsellor of Students

Lighthouse Learning Trust; Southampton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - GBP 33,000; Part time

Job summary

An education organization in Southampton is seeking a Lead Counsellor of Students. This role involves leading mental health initiatives across two colleges, managing counselling services, and fostering student wellbeing. The ideal candidate should have strong skills in compassionate counselling and a background in mental health strategy development. The position is part-time, term-time only, with a competitive salary, and is a chance to make a real impact in the lives of young people.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing a caseload of students requiring mental health support.
• Ability to deliver varied therapeutic interventions.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding protocols.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement mental health and wellbeing strategy across both colleges.
• Manage a caseload and deliver counselling services.
• Train staff in student support.

Skills

Compassionate counselling

Mental health strategy development

Team leadership

Therapeutic interventions

Job description

## Lead Counsellor of Students### We are searching for the best education professionals* Lead Counsellor of StudentsNEWFast Apply# Lead Counsellor of StudentsEmployerLocation: Southampton, HampshireContract Type: PermanentHours: Part Time, Term TimeSalary: £32,198 FTEPosted: 14th January 2026Start Date: As Soon As PossibleExpires: 25th February 2026 11:59 PMContract Type: PermanentStart Date: As Soon As PossibleJob ID: 1529349Job Reference: ATR420Start Date: As Soon As Possible* Contract Type :Permanent* Job ID: 1529349* Share :**LEAD COUNSELLOR OF STUDENTS****30 hours per week (days and hours to be discussed at interview)****Term time only (37 weeks)****Salary: £32,198 FTE/£21,286 actual**Working across Richard Taunton Sixth Form College (Southampton) and St Vincent Sixth Form College (Gosport)Lighthouse Learning Trust is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation that prides itself on being welcoming and inclusive. We are a multi-academy trust comprising Richard Taunton and St Vincent Colleges, and we celebrate diversity and create an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. Joining us means becoming part of a community that is passionate about transforming lives through education and supporting every student to achieve their potential.The Opportunity – Lead Student Counselling Support Across Two CollegesWe are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and compassionate counselling professional to join our team as Lead Student Counsellor. In this pivotal role, you will act as the Mental Health Lead for the two colleges, spearheading our student mental health and wellbeing strategy across both college campuses . This is a chance to shape and develop our counselling service and make a real difference in the lives of young people across Southampton and Gosport.As Lead Student Counsellor, you’ll spearhead the Trust’s mental health and wellbeing strategy across both colleges by developing initiatives, providing high-quality counselling services, and maintaining a proactive, supportive environment for students. Your role includes managing a caseload, delivering varied therapeutic interventions, innovating mental health provision (such as the online wellbeing hub), training staff in student support, and leading a team of placement counsellors and volunteers. You’ll collaborate closely with internal colleagues and external agencies, ensure safeguarding protocols are upheld, and make timely referrals for students who need additional specialist support—ultimately fostering a culture of care, resilience, and inclusion for every learner.If you’re excited about leading mental health initiatives and providing life-changing support to students in an environment that values compassion, innovation, and inclusivity, then we want to hear from you! Join us as our Lead Student Counsellor and help us ensure that no student faces their challenges alone.**Candidates will be reviewed as and when we receive applications. The vacancy will stay open until the post is filled.****Successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced DBS application.**### Attachments### Safeguarding Statement:Lighthouse Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.### Lighthouse Learning Trust